In response to the recent announcement of the $1 million Living Libraries grant, Moira Shire Council voted at last week’s ordinary meeting to finalise the design of the new Yarrawonga Library and put the project out to tender once planning approval is secured.
Mayor Libro Mustica said council also voted to undertake demolition works separately to the building component of the project so that tenderers have a cleared site to work with.
“The $1 million grant from the State’s Living Libraries Program is in addition to the $3.75 million from the Community Infrastructure Loans Scheme, which offers low-interest, subsidised loans to councils for infrastructure projects,” Cr Mustica said.
“This funding, combined with a budgeted council contribution, will mean we are ready to move the project forward sooner rather than later.
“We are extremely appreciative of the Victorian Government’s financial support in arranging the low interest loan and the Living Libraries grant.
“We are also supportive of the State Government’s decision to amend Victoria’s planning provisions to streamline planning approvals for council and state infrastructure projects to stimulate the economy as we recover from COVID-19.”
Cr Mustica said the project aimed to create a vibrant and diverse community hub.
“This project has been in the planning stages for a number of years and during that time we have been working closely with user groups of the existing Community Hall and precinct to incorporate, where possible, the services and facilities they want into the new designs,” Cr Mustica said.
“We understand and acknowledge there are a small group of community members who are against this development, however the majority of people we have surveyed, spoken to and heard directly from are fully in favour of the library project and can’t wait to see it commence.”
